Good Friday & Melbourne Zoo

080321 Good Friday
Hey guys. I'm on easter break now. Here, they celebrate easter and my school gave us a nice one week holidays... How nice, if only they didn't pile us with ample amount of work as well.. [sigh] Anyway, decided not to stay in for the weekends if I could..

Holidays started on Thursday but seeing that I don't have class on Thursday, it didn't make much of a difference. [shrugs] (Oh, this shot was taken in Melbourne Central, outside the cinema area. At first glance, the sofa looks hard but it's nice and comfortable to sit on them.)

Didn't really plan on anything to do on friday. So when Su Jin asked me to come over to her place to smash some easter eggs she had, I thought why not. (A familiar sight that I would probably miss when I go back)

Waiting for the train can be quite boring... A lot of people here own Ipods. I just stare around the place or hum a silly tune until the train comes (I think this graffiti's interesting. I wonder if Jonz would like it...)

So from Glenferrie, I stopped at Flinder Street and have to walk to Elizabeth Street. Normally it's just across the road... And then I see this road construction. I'm like err... now what? Note: Apparently road construction happens quite frequently here.

I just followed the detour path and it led me to my destination anyway. Cool~! And the moment I got the the tram stop, my tram just arrived. Sweet~!

It was nice to meet up with the gang again. (Nick)

We went out since they were hungry. I had already taken dinner. (Shin Yeu & Perng)

Walked to the nearest KFC in the slightly cold weather. Not used to it yet and it's only autumn... The horrors... (Kelvin, Su Jin & Lin)
(We took teddy out for a walk. Hehe~!)
After their supper, we watched a movie "The Mist". How horrific... I didn't know they has planned to watch it... I watched it anyway, knowing that it was a thriller-type movie. And yes, I screamed a few times and nearly cried because I was scared... Good thing it wasn't supernatural... If not, I think I won't be able to sleep.

I dislike the movie, although the concept of the movie was logical. The thing I dislike the most was the fact that it showed the ugly side of humans and had a unhappy ending. How depressing. Decided to stay overnight..

Saturday, 22nd March 2008
Woke up at 8am. Had already arranged with some of my group mates to visit the Melbourne Zoo. Arrived at Flinders at 10am... The gang came only about 10.40am. Took the train to Royal Park stop. The entrance fee was AUS17.30 and that is the student price... Normal adult price AUS20. But I did enjoy my trip there... Took lots of photos...
(Pretty Snow Leopard. Can I keep him?)
(The lemurs from the movie Madagascar... One was actually in a yoga pose. Had to reduce the exposure for you to be able to see it better)
(Look it's Winnie the Pooh... Oh no, my mistake, it's just a bear..)
(The mighty Lion... He looks bored...)
(Oh wait, THIS one is definately bored out of his wits...)
(Other than animals, there were a lot of families around.. Guess this is one of the places families go to...)
(Look, it's Timon from the Lion King. It's also known as a meerkat)
(Here's a fishing cat)
(This is really the best shot of a platypus that I got... I took this shot even before I went in to see the real one... I knew I can't get a good shot since it's dark inside and the platypus swims about really fast)
(Hey, we have this Golden Tamarin at Zoo Negara as well)
(This is the Little Penguins I talked about when I visited Phillip Island. Cute eh?)
(Female Baboon)
(Curiously enough, these are called Tree Kangaroos)
(This is NOT a rat.. It's a possum, a marsupial)
(The head man of the herd, Mr Gorilla)
(Peacock)
(This monkey looks wise. Must be the hairstyle...Hehe)
(A really colourful peasant)
(In the zoo was also a butterfly park. This one's much better than the one we have back home)
(Since most of you guys have already seen an elephant, I shall insert a photo of an elephant shrine instead. It was totally obvious that these elephants were from Thailand. There were some signs in Thai)
(This duck is known as a blue-billed duck. One guess why it's called that...Hahah)
(What's a trip to an Australian zoo without Kangaroos?)
(I think this Kangaroo's the coolest. Imagine the Kangaroo saying this, "Yo mate, What's Up?")
("Looking for the exit? That way dude..")
("Now go away. I'm lazing in the sun". And the best part was, it's all the same kangaroo. Fun to take photos of him)
(Here's a Kookabura, local Kingfisher. [starts humming "Kookabura sits on an old gum tree..." song] )

We spent about 5 hours walking around the zoo, I was busy taking photographs of course. Wished I had the SLR but I think I still did a good job with the camera I have. (This is the group I went with: Yoong Yoong, Jaslyn, Shawn, Pang, Louise and her bro, Wilson)

We went home after that... I was really tired. I would have slept the night away if my friend, Kah, didn't invite me to watch a movie. I picked "Horton Hears A Who" since I wanted to watch it and we totally enjoyed the movie~! I recommend everyone to watch it. It's a feel good movie and the best part, it's super funny~! Until next time then, Cheers~!

Of the Hot and Cold

As you guys may know, it's now autumn here. Well, at least the beginning of autumn. The past few days they were freaking sunny hot but with cool wind. Frankly, I love those weathers (though everyone else complains about the super shining sun).

Today is started out like that too. But I think because of the rain the other night, the wind has gotten chilly. Now it's evening and cloudy. My favourite, Mr Sun has gone to take a vacation, leaving the wind blowing away.

I dislike the chill... It's that feeling that gets all the way down to the bone, that even wearing more layers can't seem to warm you up. So I'm glad I made tom yum noodles soup for lunch and dinner. Had the craving to eat it and now I know why. Drinking a hot cup of tea seems to warm me up a little. [sigh] What I won't give for a bottle of vodka to drink and warm my insides.... Let's hope Mr Sun makes an appearance tomorrow... Cheers~!

The Day Out

Hey there. Phew, I just got back from such a long day out. [sinks into my study chair]

Today I only had 1 one-hour class. However, I was doing work til 2am yesterday (Was on a roll of doing work), though the work was only due today at 5pm. But I was plenty glad to finish it way before the deadline.

So it isn't suprising that I woke up later than usual this morning. With only enough time to wash my face and dress to go, I dashed out the door and catched the next express train to school. I thought that I would be late but I was mistaken as I came just on time. We had a guest speaker (all I can remember is his name's Frank) to talk about his experiences and environmental sustability. For me, it was an interesting talk but to others I asked, they found themselves lulled to sleep with his sharings.

After the speech, I went with Su Khwin to do some things... In the end, I accompanied her to do some clothes shopping in Chapel St. After this initial round of shopping, we went to her house and got some rest (while she went to change her clothes). We (Su Khwin, Priscilla & I) met up with Linda, Bor, Yoong, Raymond and Joanne (yes, another Joanne who's doing Interior) at Flinders St Station. I got to try the choco churros... (it tastes great but should only take it in small quantities)

From there we made our way to Smith St, to do some more shopping... Let's just say that we enter 1 shop, browse, try-on, pay, move onto the next shop and then the whole process continues... for about 15 shops or so? I think we were there from 1pm to 5pm... That's 4 hours of shopping. Everyone bought some things for themselves except me (obvious that no clothings can fit me and I didn't need to buy shoes, bags or accessories). However, I did walk away with an interesting shopping experience (it was good exercise).

And yea, the only reason why we stopped at 5pm was because the shops were closed. [shrugs] We made our way to the city... Was suppose to go eat dinner together but they went ahead and did more shopping.... Tired of the shopping spree and getting very hungry, I was relieved when I got to go dinner with Su Jin and her gang instead.

We ate at a Japanese restaurant called Yamato, which was at Chinatown (Lt Burke St). I ate Kitsune Udon~! Hehehe~! I enjoyed it, even though the serving wasn't big... Plus I got to hang out with Su Jin, Shien Hao, Yee Boon, Perng, Kelvin & Shin Yeu. By the time I got back home (after I had to wait for 28 minutes for the next train), it was 11.30pm... So yea, after a nice refreshing shower, I'm typing this post for you... before going to bed now... [yawn] Cheers~!

School and More

Classes are fine here since I'm on a three-days a week schedule. However this week was super tiring for me because I had to go back to school to attend a group meeting. So you can imagine my greatest relief as Friday (14/3) came strolling along.

Friday started like other fridays. Waking up at 7, going to class at 9am, having lunch in cafeteria.. But because I was so tired, I was desperate to find a place to nap.. I was weighing my options in my mind... Library seems like the best choice but seeing as to no one else sleeping in the library, I didn't want to be the first. The cafeteria was too noisy. It isn't easy to find an empty class to nap in..

So when my friend invited me to see her new house, I jumped at the chance. See, all this for a nap. How terrible can I get. Hahaha~! Although the day was super duper sunny and hot, her house was not too far from the campus so it was worth the walk in the sun. Plus I was excited to see her house. I'm considering of finding a place nearer to campus and this place isn't too bad.. but the rent's the same as I pay here at Unilodge, it doesn't include the electric bill... (I use quite a bit of electricity... leaving my laptop on, like lights...), no lifts and the security there isn't too good.

But what I don't like the most is the fact the rooms here just shares with another person. I mean it's great for privacy and all but if it comes to company... it's not too great. And cleaning will be much more per person and it'll be bad if the person that I ended up staying with is a pig. [sigh]

Anyway, coming back to friday. I did managed to catch a 10 minutes nap on the sofa before I had to go to my second class. 3D class means Maya software. Getting the hang of it. Good thing that the teacher's good at what he does. Thanks Steve~!

I guess the main highlights of the day was when I was going back. At the train station, I saw some smoke... When I got there, some dudes were putting out the fire that was on the tracks... Don't know how it got there. The dudes managed to put out the fire when fire engines could be heard. I was like "You've got to be kidding...". Sure enough there was a fire engine, sirens and blinking lights.. the real deal. Was wondering who called the fire engine, when another fire engine came from behind... I was like "Ok... a bit much right for a small fire"

I was surpised but pleased at the fireman's respond. Made me feel safe and secure on the inside... Didn't manage to see what happen next because my train had arrived.

Back at home, I did more of my experimental cooking (porridge with minced pork, mushrooms and nuts). Didn't boil the mushrooms and nuts enough. But good thing I didn't burn the porridge. It's easy to burn the bottom if you're not careful. It was edible so not to worry. Ended the day with a massive spring clean of the kitchen and toilet with the rest of my housemates (except for one stupid lazy girl [glares at her]). Oops, long long post with no photos whatsoever. [shrugs] Cheers~!

Moomba Fireshow Display

Hey everyone~! I had a fun weekend (8/3 & 9/3) and I thought I'd share it with you guys. [grin]

Saturday (8/3) was my dad's birthday. I kinda suck being stuck here, missing the first family birthday celebration. Not to worry since I did give my dad a call and made me feel better. Anyway, back to the main story. Afternoon, I went to this exhibition at Federation Square called "Game On" that cost AUS10. It was so cool~! There were lots of different games from different consoles (from atari to wii).

I tried my hand on the wii. It's not as easy to control but can be mastered with time. I was in the exhibition for 2 hours, trying my hand on random games... Wanted to try the PS3 and Xbox 360 but too many people hogging them. But before I left, the last game I played was guitar hero (song "Take Me Out")

This photo shows one part of the Federation Square building. It has such an interesting architecture.

I was a little hungry after the exhibition so I bought some nuggets and sat in the square to eat.

While eating, I was also having fun taking photographs of the big square.

After my nuggets, I took a tram down to Su Jin's house. We were hanging out there until 6pm. Why? Because we had a movie appointment. Yay~! We watched 10,000 BC. I admit I like the CG but the storyline was erm... predictable and cheesy. The movie tickets was AUS14.50 and that's student price... Normal price = AUS 16. We stopped by McD to grab dinner and made our way to the Yarra River.

To see some fireworks. It's in conjunction of the Waterfest here. [shrugs] There are other activities but only the fireworks caught my attention.


The show was about 20 minutes long. It has lots of pretty colours...

But I think the ones back at home are more dramatic. Here I feel it's rather messy... Nonetheless, I enjoyed myself. We went to Su Jin's house and hanged out (drinks, learn Texas Hold Down, watched more movies from external drive). Stayed overnight at her place since the trams stops running at about 11pm.

Next morning (9/3) we went to Victoria market to buy groceries. I bought some white peaches~! Love them~! I came back at 12pm, starving but I napped since I only had 2 hours of sleep... I had loads of fun. But now, back to work. Until next time then, Cheers~!

New Sights

Finally I'm coming up to par to the current daily events. Hahah~! Updating a blog is hard work but very much of a reward to me.

Here I'll share some of the sights near my room...

Sunset from my room

A closer view of the church

Another day's sunset of the church

Sunset view from Glenferrie Station (the stop nearest to my room)

I've been to the city twice and managed to capture a bit of the sights there as well.
This is a mural at Melbourne Central Station

Clock in Melbourne Central Station

Structure in the Melbourne Central Building

In the city

It like the fact that the architectures here are different from one another to the point that some seem even radical to be built there. This one is a nice example of classic architecture.

Summer giving way to autumn soon. The trees are slowing but surely turning its leaves from green to gold.

Outside Flinders St station. One of the few stops in the City Loop.

Yesterday (5th March) I went to Richmond with my roommates to eat Fuer (Vietnamese Rice Noodles). It was delicious at a cost of AUS8. So as to not feel so guilty of eating so much, I also went swimming (it's free for Swinburne student to swim at a club near where I live) and jogging too. Hahaha~! Healthy me.

On another note, it was only yesterday when my dreams return. From the day I arrived to the 4th March, no dreams came to me. Now that they have returned, honestly I don't know if it's a good thing or bad thing...

Finally, today. No class today. I have classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Will need to do my assignments now... Friday seem to be group work kind-of day. [sigh] I hope you enjoyed my posts. Til next time then, Cheers~!